Although we don't yet know how school sport will proceed in the new Academic Year, the Management Committee believe that planning for the "best case scenario" is the most prudent course of action. With this in mind, the majority of the knockout cups will hopefully run largely as they have in previous seasons, albeit with a greater level of regionalisation to reduce travelling and with a longer deadline for the First Round ties to assist schools with organisation at the start of the year.

However, the Jan Harding Memorial Trophy (the U13 Girls' competition) will revert to a simple knockout tournament, rather than commencing with a group stage. In addition, the U18 League competitions and Ambler (U17) Cup have been placed in abbeyance, due to a lack of entries. Schools who participated in the 1st XI League are warmly invited to transfer to the Brigg Cup, which will open with a round-robin group stage before moving into a knockout competition.

As with previous seasons, schools can affiliate by completing a simple online form. The deadline for entries is 31st July 2020. Any queries in respect of affiliation and competition entries should be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Given the continuing situation where COVID-19 is affecting every aspect of life, the Middlesex Schools' Football Association has decided to alter the format of its Inter-District Leagues for the 2020-21 season.

Traditionally, these have been played on a "home and away" basis, with each District playing the others twice; at Under-11, two Trophy events - the Batchelor Cup and Alf Gant Cup - fulfil this function across two terms.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the home and away format will not be used next season. Instead, the Inter-District competitions will be played during the Spring Term, with each District playing the others once; efforts will be made to ensure as even a split of home and away fixtures as possible. This means there will only be time for one U11 Trophy event; this will be the Batchelor Cup.

If a large number of entries is received in one or more age groups, consideration will be given to splitting the competition into two groups, with a play-off between the section winners. For example, if we receive entries from eight boroughs, they will be split into two groups of four, with the top team in each section qualifying for a Final arranged by the Association.

The Association believes that by taking this approach, it has provded the District Schools' FAs with time to regroup following the abandonment of the 2019-20 competitions, without placing excess pressure on the volunteers running the Representative Teams. The format of these competitions will be re-examined at the end of next season, with a view to returning to a home and away format.

The Middlesex Schools' FA's Management Committee has proposed a number of revisions to the Rules of the Association, which would take effect from the 2020-21 season.

Whilst we do not know for certain whether MSFA competitions will be able to proceed normally during the next academic year, the Management Committee was keen to ensure that as and when they do get under way, the tournaments meet the needs of schools.

The main changes are as follows:

The insertion of a clause which allows for a limited number of 'late' entries in each cup

The abolition of extra time in all knockout matches - drawn Cup matches will now go straight to a penalty competition

Clarification around the duration of matches in each age group

A rewriting of Rule 5 to give greater clarity around how disciplinary matters are managed, how a school or District might lodge a protest or make a complaint and how to appeal against a decision made by MSFA.

A clear "precedence" list to assist schools and Districts with arranging matches.

The amended rules will be moved for adoption at the 2020 Annual General Meeting, which will be conducted online in July.